Deion Sanders identifies what he learned about himself during Year 1 at Colorado

Deion Sanders’ first year as the head coach at Colorado was an educational experience. In an interview with FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt, Sanders revealed what he learned.

“I needed a little more patience in certain areas,” Sanders said. “I know what’s supposed to be happening and I’m hearing what’s supposed to be happening and if it’s not happening—my best statement I make to the staff is if you allow it to happen, that’s on you. It’s just consequently on me.

“It’s bothersome because I’m a really detailed guy. I’m detailed to every darn thing. I dot I’s. Cross T’s. That’s the way I go about my life. But, I learned a long time ago, you can’t expect what you give.”

Early in Deion Sanders’ first season at the helm in 2023, it looked like Colorado had endless entertainment to give. In the Buffaloes’ season-opener, they defeated 2022 national runner-up TCU in a 45-42 shootout.

Only one week later, Colorado dominated new-look Nebraska 36-14. In the triumph, Shedeur Sanders lit up the scoreboard, tallying 393 passing yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions.

In Week 3, Colorado escaped a grueling in-state showdown against Colorado State in double overtime. While the Buffaloes pulled out the win, they showed signs of weakness and suffered losses. Specifically, Travis Hunter was forced to leave the game after absorbing a late hit and suffering a lacerated liver.

Hunter missed three weeks due to the injury and Colorado spiraled. The team ultimately went 1-8 in the remainder of the regular season and failed to reach a bowl game. Sanders admits it was a painful process.

“I expect what I expect. I want what I want. I really do. And when you don’t see it materialize, it hurts,” Sanders said. “You have to digress a bit and say, ‘Did I make the right decision? Did I make the right decision or did I make an emotional decision?’ And I never make decisions based on emotions, because we suffer when you make a decision based on emotions.

“Was it too hasty? Was it too quick? Was the decision based on this this this? Because, at the end of the day, the kids are the most important. ‘Did I make the right decision based on what these kids need?'”

Deion Sanders won’t have to wait long to begin his Year 2 campaign. On Aug. 29, the Buffaloes will play their season-opener against North Dakota State at 8 p.m. ET.